Theater-stage.



S. M. KEYTE.

THEATER STAGE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 23, 1912.

1,076,653, Patented 0ct.21,1913.

Elmvewtoz Sara]? M ffe yie M m I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SARAH M. KEY'I'E, 0F OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

THEATER-STAGE To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SARAH M. KEYTE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Oakland, in the county of Alameda and State of California,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Theater- Stages, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in theater stages and has for itsobject the production of a convenient method of handling scenes.

As at present constructed, all theaters are provided with drop scenery,which necessitates a very high space overhead into which the scenery israised when not in use. This high space is very detrimental to theacoustic properties of the stage, and the principal object of thisinvention is therefore the production of a method for dropping scenerybelow the stage, and therefore produce a good background for throwingthe sounds and voices from the stage.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of means forfacilitating the scenery to be set up during one act for the nextsucceeding act and scene.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of certainnovel constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts, as will behereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a plan view of a stage constructed inaccordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a central transverse sectionthrough the stage. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of one column,showing the manner of supporting the scenery frames. Fig. 4 is a view inelevation of one of the scenery frames.

By referring to the drawings by numerals it will be seen that the stageis. so arranged as to have a closed top having an opening 1 near itsfront end. The stage is provided upon each side with wings 2, and aplurality of columns 3 are arranged in alinement with the edge of theopening 1. These columns are arranged upon such an angle as to preventanyone in front of the stage from seeing into the wings of the stage,even though the scenery frames should be lowered to their position belowthe stage. These columns 3 are preferably placed at an angle ofapproximately 45 degrees to the stage. Each of these columns 3 isprovided near one edge with a vertically extending Specification ofLetters Patent.

Application filed September 23, 1912.

Patented Oct. 21, 1913. Serial No. 721,869.

groove 4-, in which groove is placed a vertically extending guide plate5 having a projecting tongue engaging the grooved lips carried by thescenery frames 7 These lips 6 are placed at intervals along the sides ofthe frames so as to reduce the weight of the frames. These frames 7 maybe decorated in any desired manner and are preferably provided neartheir upper and lower faces with latticed portions 8. Eyes 9 are carriedby the upper corners of the frame 7 and to these eyes 9 are connectedthe lifting cables 10. The lifting cables 10 pass through the columnsnear their upper ends and carry weights 11 at their extreme ends, whichweights work in the vertically extending grooves 12 formed centrally ofthe columns 3. A pulley 13 is carried by each column over which the rope10 is adapted to travel. for facilitating the easy sliding of the frames7. By carefully considering Fig. 2 it will be seen that a room 14: isformed under the stage so as to allow the scenery frames, as illustratedin Fig. 4, to drop down below the floor 15 of the stage. It

will thereby be seen that the scenery frames may be drawn up at will totheir desired places and then the frames may be lifted in the samefashion as a window sash since the weight 11 may act as acounterbalance, and these frames may be either raised from below or maybe raised in any other desired fashion. Of course it should beunderstood that the floor 15 of the stage is provided with slots 16 forfacilitating the dropping of the frames 7 into the basement of room 14:.

What is claimed is:

1. A device of the class described comprising upper and lower rooms, aplurality of columns positioned in alinement upon the opposite sides ofsaid upper room, said columns being arranged at an angle ofapproximately 15", each column being spaced at a determined distance,whereby to prevent a view of the side portions of the said upper roomfrom a position in front of said columns, scenery frames slidablymounted upon said columns for presenting a new View when so desired,said frames adapted to pass into said lower rooms when so desired.

2. A device of the class described comprising upper and lower rooms, aplurality of columns positioned in said upper room, each of said columnsprovided with a longitudinally extending groove, a guide plate providedwith a longitudinally extending tongue, said guide plate positioned insaid groove, a frame provided with a plurality of lips, said lipsprovided With longitudinally extending grooves, said frame slidablymounted Within the grooves formed upon said columns, said llps adaptedto slide upon said tongue of said plate, means our-- ried by saidcolumns and attached to said 10 frame for moving said frame, said frameadapted to move down into said lower room.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

SARAH M. KEYTE. \Vitnesses J. A. KEY'I'E, A. lVILLIAMS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents. Washington, I). 0.

